Easter Recordings to Share -- Haydn and Hassler
  • NihilNominisNihilNominis
    Posts: 986
    A chorister sneakily recorded the Latin Mass this past Sunday (thankfully without my knowledge, as microphones wreak havoc on my nerves)! I was secretly delighted he had, as it went very well. I wanted to share a couple of highlights from our Easter at St. Mary, Help of Christians, Sleepy Eye, Minnesota.

    I would love to hear your highlights from wherever you are!

    Cantate Domino, Hans Leo Haßler

    Benedictus, Missa Brevis S. Joannis de Deo, Franz Joseph Haydn

    Thanked by 5Incardination CHGiffen mmeladirectress StimsonInRehab madorganist
  • M. Jackson Osborn
    Posts: 8,368
    Nice!

    If I were to suggest one thing that could be refined it would be the vowel 'i' ('ee'), which really stands out like a sore thumb. Ee sounds, which nearly always are pronouncedly nasal, are less grating when they lean heavily towards an 'ih' sound, as in the word 'it'. It's that eee-ness which spoils everything.

    I like the energy of your choir!
    Thanked by 1NihilNominis
  • NihilNominisNihilNominis
    Posts: 986
    I very much appreciate that advice! In part, that is a case of infection by vaccine -- I've tried hard to inoculate them against Americanizing the "i" sound. Oops.
  • Richard MixRichard Mix
    Posts: 2,767
    Grating could be a matter of taste: I much on the contrary was struck by the spreadness of the 'eh' compared to a German choir!
  • mmeladirectress
    Posts: 1,075
    thanks for sharing this!
    The "i" did not grate on me; I was impressed with how hard you have worked on the "eh" instead of ayeee. Good job.

    How many in your choir? How do the voices assort, S A T Bar B ?
    Thanked by 1NihilNominis
  • NihilNominisNihilNominis
    Posts: 986
    Thanks for all the feedback!

    That was 15 out of a normal 18. That day, we had 5 soprani, 4 alti, 3 basses (really baritones), and 3 tenors. One of the tenors had to leave unexpectedly before the Benedictus, tho.
  • NihilNominisNihilNominis
    Posts: 986
    3 more, all men, were away for the Easter weekend out of state.
  • canadashcanadash
    Posts: 1,499
    I think your choir sounds wonderful! Well done.

    Their diction is marvellous and such a pleasant sound!
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